EXCLUSIVE: Oscar shortlisted short film Extremist is getting the feature treatment, with the project boarded by arthouse stalwart Alexander Rodnyansky (Leviathan) and his production banner AR Content.
Rodnyansky joins Alexander Molochnikov and Forma Pro films in producing The Extremists after the short premiered at the 2025 Telluride Film Festival and won the Live Action Award and Special Jury Award at the 2025 Yugo BAFTA Student Awards along with being shortlisted for Best Live Action Short at the 2026 Oscars. Molochnikov will direct the feature.
Rodnyansky joins producers Julia Zaitseva and Svetlana Punte of Forma Pro Films. Molochnikov, Andrey Burkovskiy and Gennadiy Ravvin of Yes Or Yes Studio will also produce.
The feature will expand on the premise of Molochnikov’s short film and “follow three distinct perspectives based on the real life ordeals of Russian citizens living in the country since the start of the war in Ukraine.”
The original short followed a young Russian artist who swapped food labels with pacifist messages in a Moscow supermarket, eventually leading to her arrest and a threat of 10-years in prison.
Rodnyansky said: “I have always been interested in true events. As a person with an 8.5 year prison sentence (in absentia) in Russia for speaking out against the war and an active voice about the war on socials, I can hardly think of a more intimate topic for me to be involved in. I was impressed with the short Extremist, as well as with Alexander Molochnikov’s talent as a filmmaker. I have known Forma Pro films and have always admired their professionalism. I am happy to be a part of the film.”
Alexander Molochnikov added: “Living in a history book is frightening. The Ukrainian war relocated and changed many people involved in the making of this film, but this story is not about us. The Extremists is about heroic people who chose to remain human while risking their freedom and their lives. Three stories of escape: through protest, art and an actual physical escape, intertwine within a world of fantasy and metaphysical reality, between a world of systemic decisions and genuine magic and miracles. Alexander Rodnyansky’s films have inspired me for a long time. Extremists united us with a feeling of admiration for the courage of people who have the strength to speak out against the war and to stand up for their principles. Extremists is an attempt to make you fall in love with these heroes as well.
Svetlana Punte commented: “Working with Alexander Rodnyansky had long been a dream for our team. He has a unique instinct for talent and a remarkable ability to recognize potential where others may not yet see it. Sasha Molochnikov’s level of dedication is truly extraordinary, and his energy and commitment become the driving force behind the entire process and inspire everyone around him.”
Molochnikov’s films have played at festivals including Moscow International Film Festival, Seattle International Film Festival, and the Sochi Open Russian Film Festival.
Rodnyansky’s AR Content is in Cannes with Directors Fortnight opener Butterfly Jam, starring Barry Keoghan and Riley Keough and directed by Kantemir Balagov. Balagov previously worked with AR Content on Beanpole, winner of Best Director and the FIPRESCI Prize for Best Film in the festival’s Un Certain Regard section. AR Content recently secured rights to John Shirley’s action-thriller book series The Specialist and is optioning the series for TV.
English (US) ·